Henry Miller, the famous writer & painter once wrote – “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” In the last 60 years, travel has evolved for the impatient. We board a plane, melt into our in-flight entertainment consoles, look out the window a couple of times, and arrive at our final destination. Journeys that once would have taken days, weeks, or even months can be completed in a matter of hours. While I’m not one to complain about the advances of technology, I can’t help but feel that flights have removed some of the romanticism of travel. To experience the “real” Canada, the vast distances, the picturesque landscapes, the topography changes from one corner of this country to the next, nothing can beat travel by train. Having spent over 200 hours on VIA Rail in the last 60 days crossing eight provinces, I have found a new way of seeing things. I have discovered 13 reasons to stop flying and travel Canada by VIA Rail.

Lower Berths

Traveling for days on end can lead to exhaustion. While the economy seats on VIA Rail are massive, with enough leg room that would make a 6’8 basketball player smile, spending a little extra money on a 40+ hour train ride can make all the difference. Stretching out in a freshly made bed, and sprawling in your newfound privacy is something everyone can appreciate. Having your own bench seat during the day (or bed should you choose to leave it down), where you can properly lay back, read, and relax not only helps pass the time, but better lets you enjoy the sights from your window. Sleeping through the night in a comfy bed and waking up well rested and that much closer to your destination is easily worth the price bump.

The showers

Showering while traveling is important. No more so than when you’re in a train with 28 cars traveling for 2 days straight. While Economy tickets don’t have access to shower, all Sleeping Cars come with them. To wake up refreshed from a full nights sleep and to have access to a clean and hot shower is one of the best ways to start a morning.

Pro Tip

Keep in mind, showers are reserved for anyone in the sleeper cars, so those of you taking economy I would recommend bringing along some soap or some resealable wet naps.

Time to Work

While Wifi is typically limited to the Corridor (between Windsor & Montreal), if you are able to continue to work disconnected from the rest of the world, you’ll have plenty of time to do so. During my countless hours on the train I was able to organize and edit all of my photos, consistently write new blog posts, and edited three videos.

Pro Tip

If you have to stay connected for business, or just for updating your Facebook status to “I’m on a train!“, a decent cell phone data plan along with the ability to tether can keep you online whenever you’re in 3G coverage.

The Dining Car Food

VIA Rail’s incredible selection of fully cooked and prepared meals makes the thought of airline food sound like the gruesome meals that were likely prepared in the middle ages. You won’t hear a single moan coming from the dining car as VIA Rail’s helpful staff serve everything from smoked salmon to veal, with your choice of beer, wine, juice, or coffee.

The Lack of Anxiety

While I wouldn’t consider myself a very nervous flyer, there have been times where I couldn’t help but start thinking about the fact that 36,000 feet is a long way down. The closest thing to uncomfortable turbulence you’ll find on VIA Rail is the occasional bumpy line of track, which means nothing more than a gentle rock left to right. No sudden drops, no feeling your stomach in your throat, just a smooth & gentle ride.

The Space & Comfort

While I can’t stress how awesome an upgrade on VIA Rail is, even in Economy seats, the amount of room given is on average MUCH more than you’ll find on most airlines. Combined with the ease of getting out of your seat to wander to the Snack Car, the Lounge Car, the Obvservation Car, or just walking to get your blood circulating, having that ease of moving around simply can’t be beat.

Less Hassle

My biggest pet peeve with flying is being stuck behind a giant line at airport security, anxiously waiting to get through in fear that I might not make it to my gate on time. Security on airlines isn’t just strict, it’s border-line de-humanizing. While VIA Rail has it in their right to check your luggage, their security is far more realistic for the average traveler. You show up, check your luggage, grab your ticket, board, and go. Removing the scans, the pat downs, the 20 questions of “Where are you going?“, “What do you do?“, really speeds things up and makes for a much more enjoyable experience boarding the train. I traveled between Montreal & Toronto with Riley of Riles For Miles, and she couldn’t stop saying “That was so easy!” after boarding the train.

The Sights

VIA Rail trains will never win a race with airlines, but that’s not what train travel is all about. The slower pace of train travel on VIA Rail allows you to truly take in the size and scenery of Canada. You’ll be hard pressed to see moose, bear, deer, and a variety of Canadian birds from 36,000 feet up. Traveling by train, this becomes a daily occurrence! A seat atop the Observation car during the day (or night – with the lights off) offers an astounding view of the scenic landscapes Canada is so famous for.

The Sounds

Many people don’t know this, but VIA Rail offers free train rides to musicians for performing two 45 minute sets per day on the train for passengers. While this is a great way for musicians to get around the country and tour for cheap, it also gives passengers a unique experience. There’s nothing like watching as the rugged Canadian landscape goes by outside the Lounge Car and some of Canada’s most talented artists serenade guests from all over the world.

The Social Side of Travel

When I fly I am a grumpy human being. I don’t want to talk to the person next to me. I typically want to scold parents for bringing children on the flight, and I am generally just not somebody anyone would ever want to talk to. Perhaps it’s the discomfort, the nerves, the terrible food, the state of fear the media has us all worked up in. But the last thing I want to do is talk to anybody I don’t know while I travel on a plane.

The opposite couldn’t be more true on train travel. There is nothing more common on trains than seeing people who didn’t know each other as they boarded the train disembark as newfound friends. Partaking in conversation with both young and old, about their jobs, their past travels, their future aspirations, and their general interest in how you ended up on this same train. During my journeys on board VIA Rail, I became a conversationalist. A suave, interesting guy who wanted to speak to anyone who would listen. I couldn’t have been more of the opposite to that grumpy human being I am when flying.

The Staff

Airline staff can often times feel a bit robotic. Any conversing with staff can lead you with somebody (passenger or staff) glaring at you as if you’re putting the entire world in jeopardy. Staff on VIA Rail behave differently. They are relaxed, happy, comfortable, rested, and it all shows. From the way they’re happy to assist you, to the fact that they’ll spare an extra five minutes from their busy schedule to converse with a passenger about anything from beer preferences, to destination tips. Did I mention they’re hilarious as well?

The Wildlife

The beauty of traveling slow is that you have time to look. Time to take in what you’re seeing, where you are, and who you’re with. In my opinion, one of the best parts of traveling with VIA Rail is the amount of wildlife you’re sure to see. Between bears, moose, elk, and even mountain goats, it’s hard to spend a day on the train and not see something out of the window. What I love is that the staff aboard VIA Rail take time out of their day to announce if there’s wildlife coming up. I scored this great photo of a mother and young mountain goat, a couple dozen kilometers outside of Jasper.

The Cost

Trains are usually on par with your average budget flight, and at times even less expensive. Train travel isn’t as pricey as many people make it out to be. One has to remember that most legs of train travel are over an entire day and night, saving you a night of accommodation and giving you a comfy ride and a whole new experience.

Don’t believe me? I took a look at a one way Economy Fair on VIA Rail for September 8th from Toronto to Saskatoon. The adult pass came up at $273.46 ($242 fare + $41.46 tax). I took a same look at Air Canada for a flight on September 8th from Toronto to Saskatoon. The adult pass came up at $420 ($278 fare + $148 in tax). Making VIA Rail the cheaper choice by $146.54! Add on top of that the fact that you’re saving 2 nights of accommodation by sleeping on VIA Rail and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.

Photo Courtesy of VIARail.com

As you have probably figured out, I am a convert! Train travel is the bee’s knees, wearing cat’s pyjamas. It’s for those people who aren’t in a rush, who have learned that in life, it’s not only good, but essential to stop and smell the flowers. Canada was built by the railroads, and I think one of the greatest ways to honour this fact is for every Canadian, and every visitor, to see this magnificent country from coast to coast with VIA Rail.

Special thanks to the folks at VIA Rail for having me aboard their train and giving me access to shoot photos & video.

28 Responses to “13 Reasons to Ditch Airlines for VIA Rail”

I’ve been on trains in plenty of countries but never in Canada because I always thought it was too pricey. I noticed they have seat sales from time-to-time as well. I’ll have to keep them in mind next time… 🙂

Yea I met a lot of people while traveling who asked “Isn’t it expensive?!” – as soon as people see the seat sales they’re usually surprised at how affordable VIA Rail is. Can’t say enough good things about the VIA experience.

Have always loved my experiences riding the VIA. Great service, and spectacular views of our country (not to mention FREE WIFI!). It’s been my dream to travel across Canada on it and your photos just solidified that for me. Thanks for sharing!

I love train travel, whether it’s in Canada or India, where I also travel. I often think of a famous quote, “If train travel survives the 20th century, it will own the 21st century.” I hope that day is at hand. Great post Corbin

I traveled from Vancouver to Toronto last year on the VIA Rail Canadian. It was an incredible journey and the trip of a lifetime. If you do not have to reach your destination in a hurry, this is THE way to get there.

The dining car served fantastic meals. You’ll meet lots of interesting people. You’ll see so much more of Canada than you would by air. The staff at VIA are very hospitable and have endless energy. You will arrive at your destination feeling well rested.

I’m the same was Raymond – always just thought it was too pricey, but will look a little harder next time! Done lots of railing in Europe and LOVED every minute of it compared to flying. Great article Corbin.

I always chose the train over the plane from Toronto to Montreal. The stations are in the city center, I don’t need to go through security an hour earlier and usually I can get a trip through a promotion. And even though I don’t need the leg room I really do appreciate it.

taking Via Rail from Dorval (Montreal) to Brampton (Toronto) is virtually the same total time , door to door , I tried the air travel from Trudeau to Pearson , an hour , but the pre-board line-up and security check can be more than an hour , and the local transit home from Pearson to Brampton is still longer than the flight time itself , especially in the evening or during the weekend … Try getting out of Pearson to catch the GO bus or the Mississauga MiWay or the Brampton Transit from the “other” Terminal where I usually land , 3 , I believe , not easy to exit the airport , the internal signage to find the proper exit , is brutal , and I am very good with direction and navigation …

The cost for train travel is still ridiculously expensive unless you can get those Express Deals. I mean if I were to travel from Vancouver to Toronto on an Express Deal, it would be 197 with economy but about 400 with a bed. Compared to the regular price of over 4000 dollars..damn.

I agree, one of the reasons I have yet to take a train trip but I will one day despite the price. Canadian travel is pricy in general which is unfortunate. If I wanted to go to Montreal from Vancouver the price is usually comparable to say going to London or Paris.

The author touts how great it is to sleep in a bunk, but then when
talking about the lower cost, shows a 2 day trip in economy
supersaver fare with a promotional sale of 50% off. When I clicked
on combo boxes to see what options existed for bunks, the bunk
options are separate from the economy/discount options, so
you’re either economy and bunkless, or you buy up.

You can’t brag about sleeping comfortably while saving money and
then price 48h of bunkless economy and call that your evidence. O_o

I just priced going from Montréal to Sudbury Ontairo, about 800km,
and it’s a 20 hour ride since the train only goes to Toronto first,
then a 2-3 hour layover, followed by the leg north. When I choose
economy for the 5 hours to Toronto, and a lower bunk from TO to
Sudbury because it’s 1am to 9am or so, the price is $750 before
taxes.

A flight with Porter airlines only takes 3 hours including a
connection in Toronto, and costs $349 using the same calendar dates.

Renting a compact car to drive from MTL to Sudbury for the same two
week trip (to drive directly west on HWY 17) is $650 through
Budget/expedia.ca.

At least there’s a celebrity lookalike in the article. 🙂 The gentleman on the right in the staff picture looks a lot like John C. Reily! =D

I enjoy the change of pace that the train offers. I haven’t slept on one in years but the thought o being in a sleeper berth with a good book and no WiFI sounds very appealing. I’m thinking about a journey to Churchill this fall and need to make the time to look more closely at pricing. Great post Corbin.

I did the trip from Kamloops to Edmonton on VIA New Years Eve this last year. The staff was amazing and went out of their way to spread cheer, handing out sweets and hats. You could see how much it ment to the kids too. It is a trip I definitely plan to do again.

I’ve never done VIA rail, but a cross country train journey would be amazing. Last year I saw a sale $65 for a ticket from Edmonton to Winnipeg, which is a lot cheaper than a flight or the cost to drive. If I wasn’t traveling somewhere else I would have totally gone for it.

I really enjoyed reading your post. I recently booked a trip on the Canadian for March, and have been reading everything I can about it. I’m moving from Vancouver back to my home province Ontario and thought taking the train was the best way to go! I am proud of this country and want to see and experience every inch of it.

You’re going to love it! Make sure you bring one of those goofy neck pillows, mine was a lifesaver. That and a decent camera and some snacks and you’ll be set! Also remember to bring cash, they take credit card on the train, but it can be a pain for them to process because they have to take card imprints on carbon paper (circa 1992). You’ll get your beer/drink/food quicker if you stick with cash. Safe travels! 🙂

Hej Corbin,
I am about to book flights to Vancouver for June this year. Do you have any idea on how far in advance it makes sense to book the train tickets? I am planning a trip all the way down to Boston in the end but I feel like the Canadian train trip looks much more interesting.
Cheers from Munich

I know with airlines there’s a 3 weeks before flight “sweet spot” which tends to be the cheapest. But trains are a different can of worms. Their promotions really vary depending on season. I’d hop online and just watch for a deal til you get about 3-4 weeks from your date of departure. Remember that some trains only depart on certain days, so that’s something you should take into considering before you decide what works for you!

Lastly, don’t forget to look into an ISIC or HI Hostels card. Either of them provide something like 10% – 15% off of the price of the train, which helps quite a bit.

Hey, thanks so much for your blog, it’s so helpful!! I’m just wondering if you know if VIA Rail still offer free train rides to musicians for performing on the train? I can’t find anything about it on their website! Do you know if you have to contact them separately to enquire about this? Thanks:-)

I don’t think they actively promote it, your best bet is to get in contact with VIA Rail – likely their marketing department. They’ll likely vet you to ensure you’re a touring musician and not just trying to grab a free lift, but it was active as recent as a couple of years ago. I assume it still goes on. But I could be wrong. I’m not seeing much on their website about it either. Sorry I can’t be much more help! Best of luck, and happy travels!

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My name is Corbin Fraser. I'm a Blogger, Photographer, Web Developer, and Outdoor-Adventure / long-term Travel Enthusiast. I started I Backpack Canada in 2009 to help educate others interested in exploring Canada. I've been traveling across Canada on and off for the last 5 years.
This very Canadian Travel Blog covers everything from budget travel, Canadian food, drinks, must-see Canadian destinations, travel tips, travel products, and my own experiences as I discover my home country. If you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out! Or check out my FAQ post.